Managing the ‘Holiday Blues’

The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. For many it is also a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, and anxiety about the future. Struggling with negative feelings during the holidays is referred to as the ‘Holiday Blues.’

What are some of the causes of Holiday Blues?

There as many factors that can contribute to the Holiday Blues and can include: stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, social isolation, and family dysfunction. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions, and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension.

Even those who do not experience depression may develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating, and difficulty sleeping.

It is also not uncommon to experience post-holiday let down after January 1st. This can result from disappointments from the preceding months compounded with the excess fatigue and stress felt during the recent holidays.

Carol McLaughlin, LCSW and JFS counselor, recommends the following using the following skills to help get through the holiday season:

Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself, pace yourself and organize your time.

Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Do not put entire the focus on just one day by remembering it is a season of holiday sentiment and activities that span across multiple months.

Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.

Leave ‘yesteryear’ in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes and each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Comparing today to the ‘good old days’ can often set yourself up for failure.

Volunteer.

Enjoy activities that are free such as driving around to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children.

Try something new and discover a new way to celebrate the holidays.

Spend time with supportive and caring people.

Reach out and make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for a while.

Save time for yourself and recharge your batteries! Let others share responsibility in group or family activities.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty maintaining their mental health, JFS is here to help. Give us a call at 804-282-5644 to schedule an appointment with JFS Counseling.